Process for making compositions comprising sphingosine 1 phosphate (S1P) receptor modulators

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to stable compositions comprising a sphingosine 1 phosphate (S1P) receptor modulator, suitable for use as a dosage form. The S1P receptor modulators are typically sphingosine analogues, such as 2-substituted 2-amino-propane-1,3-diol or 2-amino-propanol derivatives, e.g. a compound comprising a group of formula Y.

The present invention relates to a composition comprising a sphingosine 1 phosphate (S1P) receptor modulator.

In particular, the present invention relates to stable compositions comprising a sphingosine 1 phosphate (S1P) receptor modulator suitable for use as a dosage form.

S1P receptor modulators are typically sphingosine analogues, such as 2-substituted 2-amino-propane-1,3-diol or 2-amino-propanol derivatives, e.g. a compound comprising a group of formula Y.

S1P Receptor Modulators

Sphingosine-1 phosphate (hereinafter “S1P”) is a natural serum lipid. Presently there are eight known S1P receptors, namely S1P1 to S1P8. S1P receptor modulators are typically sphingosine analogues, such as 2-substituted 2-amino-propane-1,3-diol or 2-amino-propanol derivatives, e.g. a compound comprising a group of formula Y

wherein Z is H, C₁₋₆alkyl, C₂₋₆alkenyl, C₂₋₆alkynyl, phenyl, phenyl substituted by OH, C₁₋₆alkyl substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from the group consisting of halogen, C₃₋₈acycloalkyl, phenyl and phenyl substituted by OH, or CH₂—R_(4z) wherein R_(4z) is OH, acyloxy or a residue of formula (a)

wherein Z₁ is a direct bond or O, preferably O; each of R_(5z) and R_(6z), independently, is H, or C₁₋₄alkyl optionally substituted by 1, 2 or 3 halogen atoms; R_(1z) is OH, acyloxy or a residue of formula (a); and each of R_(2z) and R_(3z) independently, is H, C₁₋₄alkyl or acyl.

Group of formula Y is a functional group attached as a terminal group to a moiety which may be hydrophilic or lipophilic and comprise one or more aliphatic, alicyclic, aromatic and/or heterocyclic residues, to the extent that the resulting molecule wherein at least one of Z and R_(1z) is or comprises a residue of formula (a), signals as an agonist at one of more sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor.

S1P receptor modulators are compounds which signal as agonists at one or more sphingosine-1 phosphate receptors, e.g. S1P1 to S1P8. Agonist binding to a S1P receptor may e.g. result in dissociation of intracellular heterotrimeric G-proteins into Gα-GTP and Gβγ-GTP, and/or increased phosphorylation of the agonist-occupied receptor and activation of downstream signaling pathways/kinases.

Examples of appropriate S1P receptor modulators, comprising a group of formula Y are, for example:

Compounds as disclosed in EP627406A1, e.g. a compound of formula I

wherein R₁ is a straight- or branched (C₁₂₋₂₂) chain

-   -   which may have in the chain a bond or a hetero atom selected         from a double bond, a triple bond, O, S, NR₆, wherein R₆ is H,         C₁₋₄alkyl, aryl-C₁₋₄alkyl, acyl or (C₁₋₄alkoxy)carbonyl, and         carbonyl, and/or         -   which may have as a substituent C₁₋₄alkoxy, C₂₋₄alkenyloxy,             C₂₋₄alkynyloxy, arylC₁₋₄alkyl-oxy, acyl, C₁₋₄alkylamino,             C₁₋₄alkylthio, acylamino, (C₁₋₄alkoxy)carbonyl,             (C₁₋₄alkoxy)-carbonylamino, acyloxy, (C₁₋₄alkyl)carbamoyl,             nitro, halogen, amino, hydroxyimino, hydroxy or carboxy; or             R₁ is     -   a phenylalkyl wherein alkyl is a straight- or branched         (C₆₋₂₀)carbon chain; or     -   a phenylalkyl wherein alkyl is a straight- or branched         (C₁₋₃₀)carbon chain wherein said phenylalkyl is substituted by     -   a straight- or branched (C₆₋₂₀)carbon chain optionally         substituted by halogen,     -   a straight- or branched (C₆₋₂₀)alkoxy chain optionally         substituted by halogen,     -   a straight- or branched (C₆₋₂₀)alkenyloxy,     -   phenyl-C₁₋₁₄alkoxy, halophenyl-C₁₋₄alkoxy,         phenyl-C₁₋₁₄alkoxy-C₁₋₁₄alkyl, phenoxy-C₁₋₄ alkoxy or         phenoxy-C₁₋₄alkyl,     -   cycloalkylalkyl substituted by C₆₋₂₀alkyl,     -   heteroarylalkyl substituted by C₆₋₂₀alkyl,     -   heterocyclic C₆₋₂₀alkyl or     -   heterocyclic alkyl substituted by C₂₋₂₀alkyl,         and wherein         the alkyl moiety may have     -   in the carbon chain, a bond or a heteroatom selected from a         double bond, a triple bond, O, S, sulfinyl, sulfonyl, or NR₆,         wherein R₆ is as defined above, and     -   as a substituent C₁₋₄alkoxy, C₂₋₄alkenyloxy, C₂₋₄alkynyloxy,         arylC₁₋₄alkyloxy, acyl, C₁₋₄alkyl-amino, C₁₋₄alkylthio,         acylamino, (C₁₋₄alkoxy)carbonyl, (C₁₋₄alkoxy)carbonylamino,         acyloxy, (C₁₋₄alkyl)carbamoyl, nitro, halogen, amino, hydroxy or         carboxy, and         each of R₂, R₃, R₄ and R₅, independently, is H, C₁₋₄ alkyl or         acyl         or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or hydrate thereof;

Compounds as disclosed in EP 1002792A1, e.g. a compound of formula II

wherein m is 1 to 9 and each of R′₂, R′₃, R′₄ and R′₅, independently, is H, C₁₋₆alkyl or acyl, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or hydrate thereof;

-   -   Compounds as disclosed in EP0778263 A1, e.g. a compound of         formula III

wherein W is H; C₁₋₆alkyl, C₂₋₆alkenyl or C₂₋₆alkynyl; unsubstituted or by OH substituted phenyl; R″₄O(CH₂)_(n); or C₁₋₆alkyl substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from the group consisting of halogen, C₃₋₈cycloalkyl, phenyl and phenyl substituted by OH; X is H or unsubstituted or substituted straight chain alkyl having a number p of carbon atoms or unsubstituted or substituted straight chain alkoxy having a number (p−1) of carbon atoms, e.g. substituted by 1 to 3 substitutents selected from the group consisting of C₁₋₆alkyl, OH, C₁₋₆alkoxy, acyloxy, amino, C₁₋₆alkylamino, acylamino, oxo, haloC₁₋₆alkyl, halogen, unsubstituted phenyl and phenyl substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from the group consisting of C₁₋₆alkyl, OH, C₁₋₆alkoxy, acyl, acyloxy, amino, C₁₋₆alkylamino, acylamino, haloC₁₋₆alkyl and halogen; Y is H, C₁₋₆alkyl, OH, C₁₋₆alkoxy, acyl, acyloxy, amino, C₁₋₆alkylamino, acylamino, haloC₁₋₆alkyl or halogen, Z₂ is a single bond or a straight chain alkylene having a number or carbon atoms of q, each of p and q, independently, is an integer of 1 to 20, with the proviso of 6≦p+q≦23, m′ is 1, 2 or 3, n is 2 or 3, each of R″₁, R″₂, R″₃ and R″₄, independently, is H, C₁₋₄alkyl or acyl, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or hydrate thereof,

Compounds as disclosed in WO02/18395, e.g. a compound of formula IVa or IVb

wherein X_(a) is O, S, NR_(1s) or a group —(CH₂)_(na)—, which group is unsubstituted or substituted by 1 to 4 halogen; n_(a) is 1 or 2, R_(1s) is H or (C₁₋₄)alkyl, which alkyl is unsubstituted or substituted by halogen; R_(1a) is H, OH, (C₁₋₄)alkyl or O(C₁₋₄)alkyl wherein alkyl is unsubstituted or substituted by 1 to 3 halogen; R_(1b) is H, OH or (C₁₋₄)alkyl, wherein alkyl is unsubstituted or substituted by halogen; each R_(2a) is independently selected from H or (C₁₋₄)alkyl, which alkyl is unsubstituted or substituted by halogen; R_(3a) is H, OH, halogen or O(C₁₋₄)alkyl wherein alkyl is unsubstituted or substituted by halogen; and R_(3b) is H, OH, halogen, (C₁₋₄)alkyl wherein alkyl is unsubstituted or substituted by hydroxy, or O(C₁₋₄)alkyl wherein alkyl is unsubstituted or substituted by halogen: Y_(a) is —CH₂—, —C(O)—, —CH(OH)—, —C(═NOH)—, O or S, and R_(4a) is (C₄₋₁₄)alkyl or (C₄₋₁₄)alkenyl; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or hydrate thereof;

Amino alcohol compounds of formula V

wherein X is O, S, SO or SO₂. R₁ is halogen, trihalomethyl, OH, C₁₋₇alkyl. C₁₋₄alkoxy, trifluoromethoxy, phenoxy, cyclohexylmethyloxy, pyridylmethoxy, cinnamyloxy, naphthylmethoxy, phenoxymethyl, CH₂—OH, CH₂—CH₂—OH, C₁₋₄ alkylthio, C₁₋₄alkylsulfinyl, C₁₋₄alkylsulfonyl, benzylthio, acetyl, nitro or cyano, or phenyl, phenylC₁₋₄alkyl or phenyl-C₁₋₄alkoxy each phenyl group thereof being optionally substituted by halogen, CF₃, C₁₋₄alkyl or C₁₋₄alkoxy; R₂ is H, halogen, trihalomethyl, C₁₋₄alkoxy, C₁₋₇alkyl, phenethyl or benzyloxy; R₃ H, halogen, CF₃, OH, C₁₋₇alkyl, C₁₋₄alkoxy, benzyloxy, phenyl or C₁₋₄alkoxymethyl; each of R₄ and R₅, independently is H or a residue of formula (a)

wherein each of R₈ and R₉, independently, is H or C₁₋₄alkyl optionally substituted by halogen; and n is an integer from 1 to 4; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; or a compound of formula VI

wherein

-   R_(1a) is halogen, trihalomethyl, C₁₋₄alkyl, C₁₋₄alkoxy,     C₁₋₄alkylthio, C₁₋₄alkylsulifinyl, C₁₋₄alkylsulfonyl, aralkyl,     optionally substituted phenoxy or aralkyloxy; -   R_(2a) is H, halogen, trihalomethyl, C₁₋₄alkyl, C₁₋₄alkoxy, aralkyl     or aralkyloxy; -   R_(3a) is H, halogen, CF₃, C₁₋₄alkyl, C₁₋₄alkoxy, C₁₋₄alkylthio or     benzyloxy; -   R_(4a) is H, C₁₋₄alkyl, phenyl, optionally substituted benzyl or     benzoyl, or lower aliphatic C₁₋₅, acyl; -   R_(5a) is H, monohalomethyl, C₁₋₄alkyl, C₁₋₄alkoxy-methyl,     C₁₋₄alkyl-thiomethyl, hydroxyethyl, hydroxypropyl, phenyl, aralkyl,     C₂₋₄alkenyl or -alkynyl; -   R_(6a) is H or C₁₋₄alkyl; -   R_(7a) is H, C₁₋₄alkyl or a residue of formula (a) as defined above, -   X_(a) is O, S, SO or SO₂; and -   n_(a) is an integer of 1 to 4;     or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

With regard to the compounds of formulae (I) and (II), the term “halogen” encompasses fluorine, chlorine, bromine and iodine. The term “trihalomethyl group” encompasses trifluoromethyl and trichloromethyl. “C₁₋₇ alkyl” encompasses straight-chained or branched alkyl, e.g. methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, t-butyl, pentyl, hexyl or heptyl. The phrase “substituted or unsubstituted phenoxy group” encompasses those that have, at any position of its benzene ring, a halogen atom, such as fluorine, chlorine, bromine and iodine, trifluoromethyl, C₁₋₄alkyl or C₁₋₄alkoxy. The term “aralkyl group” as in “aralkyl group” or “aralkyloxy group” encompasses benzyl, diphenylmethyl, phenethyl and phenylpropyl. Any alkyl moiety as present in “C₁₋₄alkoxy”, “C₁₋₄alkylthio”, “C₁₋₄alkylsulfinyl” or “C₁₋₄alkylsulfonyl encompasses straight-chained or branched C₁₋₄alkyl, e.g. methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl or butyl. The phrase “substituted or unsubstituted aralkyl group” encompasses those that have, at any position of its benzene ring, a halogen atom, such as fluorine, chlorine, bromine and iodine, trifluoromethyl, lower alkyl having 1-4 carbon atoms, or lower alkoxy having 1-4 carbon atoms.

Other compounds of formula V are compounds of formula Va

wherein R₂, R₃, R₄, R₅ and n are as defined above; and Y is O or S and R₆ is hydrogen, halogen, C₁₋₇alkyl, C₁₋₄alkoxy or trifluoromethyl.

Compounds of formulae V and Va are known and are disclosed e.g. in WO03/029205, WO 03/029184 and WO04/026817, respectively, the phosphorylated derivatives being disclosed e.g. in WO04/074297, the contents of which being incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Compounds disclosed may be prepared as disclosed in the cited references herein.

Phosphorylated derivatives of compounds described herein can be prepared utilizing the procedures for synthesizing phosphorylated compounds described known in the art, e.g., in WO 2005/021503 (see, e.g., pages 11 and 12).

Optically active compounds of and phosphorylated derivatives thereof can be prepared in high purity utilizing procedure described in the art, e.g. in Hinterding et al., Synthesis, Vol. 11, pp. 1667-1670 (2003)

Compounds as disclosed in WO02/06268A1, e.g. a compound of formula VI

wherein each of R_(1d) and R_(2d), independently, is H or an amino-protecting group; R_(3d) is hydrogen, a hydroxy-protecting group or a residue of formula

R_(4d) is C₁₋₄alkyl; n_(d) is an integer of 1 to 6; X_(d) is ethylene, vinylene, ethynylene, a group having a formula -D-CH₂— (wherein D is carbonyl, —CH(OH)—, O, S or N), aryl or aryl substituted by up to three substituents selected from group a as defined hereinafter; Y_(d) is single bond, C₁₋₁₀alkylene, C₁₋₁₀alkylene which is substituted by up to three substituents selected from groups a and b, C₁₋₁₀alkylene having O or S in the middle or end of the carbon chain, or C₁₋₁₀alkylene having O or S in the middle or end of the carbon chain which is substituted by up to three substituents selected from groups a and b; R_(5d) is hydrogen, C₃₋₆cycloalkyl, aryl, heterocyclic group, C₃₋₆cycloalkyl substituted by up to three substituents selected from groups a and b, aryl substituted by up to three substituents selected from groups a and b, or heterocyclic group substituted by up to three substituents selected from groups a and b; each of R_(6d) and R_(7d), independently, is H or a substituents selected from group a; each of R_(8d) and R_(9d), independently, is H or C₁₋₄alkyl optionally substituted by halogen; <group a> is halogen, lower alkyl, halogeno lower alkyl, lower alkoxy, lower alkylthio, carboxyl, lower alkoxycarbonyl, hydroxy, lower aliphatic acyl, amino, mono-lower alkylamino, di-C₁₋₄alkylamino, acylamino, cyano or nitro; and <group b> is C₃₋₆cycloalkyl, aryl or heterocyclic group, each being optionally substituted by up to three substituents selected from group a; with the proviso that when R_(5d) is hydrogen, Y_(d) is a either a single bond or linear C₁₋₁₀ alkylene, or a pharmacologically acceptable salt, ester or hydrate thereof:

-   -   Compounds as disclosed in JP-14316985 (JP2002316985), e.g. a         compound of formula VII

wherein R_(1e), R_(2e), R_(3e), R_(4e), R_(5e), R_(6e), R_(7e), n_(e), X_(e) and Y_(e) are as disclosed in JP-14316985; or a pharmacologically acceptable salt, ester or hydrate thereof;

-   -   Compounds as disclosed in WO03/062252A1, e.g. a compound of         formula VIII

wherein Ar is phenyl or naphthyl; each of m_(g) and n_(g) independently is 0 or 1; A is selected from COOH, PO₃H₂, PO₂H, SO₃H, PO(C₁₋₃alkyl)OH and 1H-tetrazol-5-yl; each of R_(1g) and R_(2g) independently is H, halogen, OH, COOH or C₁₋₄alkyl optionally substituted by halogen; R_(3g) is H or C₁₋₄alkyl optionally substituted by halogen or OH; each R_(4g) independently is halogen, or optionally halogen substituted C₁₋₄alkyl or C₁₋₃alkoxy; and each of R_(g) and M has one of the significances as indicated for B and C, respectively, in WO03/062252A1; or a pharmacologically acceptable salt, solvate or hydrate thereof;

-   -   Compounds as disclosed in WO 03/062248A2, e.g. a compound of         formula IX

wherein Ar is phenyl or naphthyl; n is 2,3 or 4; A is COOH, 1H-tetrazol-5-yl, PO₃H₂, PO₂H₂, —SO₃H or PO(R_(5h))OH wherein R_(5h) is selected from C₁₋₄alkyl, hydroxyC₁₋₄alkyl, phenyl, —CO—C₁₋₃alkoxy and —CH(OH)-phenyl wherein said phenyl or phenyl moiety is optionally substituted; each of R_(1h) and R_(2h) independently is H, halogen, OH, COOH, or optionally halogeno substituted C₁₋₆alkyl or phenyl; R_(3h) is H or C₁₋₄alkyl optionally substituted by halogen and/OH; each R_(4h) independently is halogen, OH, COOH, C₁₋₄alkyl, S(O)_(0,1 or 2)C₁₋₃alkyl, C₁₋₃alkoxy, C₁₋₃cycloalkoxy, aryl or aralkoxy, wherein the alkyl portions may optionally be substituted by 1-3 halogens; and each of R_(h) and M has one of the significances as indicated for B and C, respectively, in WO03/062248A2 or a pharmacologically acceptable salt, solvate or hydrate thereof.

-   -   Compounds as disclosed in WO 04/103306A, WO 05/000833, WO         05/103309 or WO 05/113330, e.g. compounds of formula Xa or Xb

wherein A_(k) is COOR_(5k), OPO(OR_(5k))₂, PO(OR_(5k))₂, SO₂OR_(5k), POR_(5k)OR_(5k) or 1H-tetrazol-5-yl, R_(5k) being H or C₁₋₆alkyl; W_(k) is a bond, C₁₋₃alkylene or C₂₋₃alkenylene; Y_(k) is C₆₋₁₀aryl or C₃₋₉heteroaryl, optionally substituted by 1 to 3 radicals selected from halogene, OH, NO₂, C₁₋₆alkyl, C₁₋₄alkoxy; halo-substituted C₁₋₆alkyl and halo-substituted C₁₋₆alkoxy;

Z_(k) is a heterocyclic group as indicated in WO 04/103306A, e.g. azetidine;

R_(1k) is C₆₋₁₀aryl or C₃₋₉heteroaryl, optionally substituted by C₁₋₆alkyl, C₆₋₁₀aryl, C₆₋₁₀arylC₁₋₄alkyl, C₃₋₉heteroaryl, C₃₋₉heteroarylC₁₋₄alkyl, C₃₋₈cycloalkyl, C₃₋₈cycloalkylC₁₋₄alkyl, C₃₋₈heterocycloalkyl or C₃₋₈heterocycloalkylC₁₋₄alkyl; wherein any aryl, heteroaryl, cycloalkyl or heterocycloalkyl of R_(1k) may be substituted by 1 to 5 groups selected from halogen, C₁₋₆alkyl, C₁₋₆alkoxy and halo substituted-C₁₋₆alkyl or —C₁₋₆alkoxy;

R_(2k) is H, C₁₋₆alkyl, halo substituted C₁₋₆alkyl, C₂₋₆alkenyl or C₂₋₆alkynyl: and

each of R_(3k) or R_(4k), independently, is H, halogen, OH, C₁₋₆alkyl, C₁₋₆alkoxy or halo substituted C₁₋₆alkyl or C₁₋₆alkoxy;

and the N-oxide derivatives thereof or prodrugs thereof,

or a pharmacologically acceptable salt, solvate or hydrate thereof.

The compounds of formulae I to Xb may exist in free or salt form. Examples of pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the compounds of the formulae III to VIII include salts with inorganic acids, such as hydrochloride, hydrobromide and sulfate, salts with organic acids, such as acetate, fumarate, maleate, benzoate, citrate, malate, methanesulfonate and benzenesulfonate salts, or, when appropriate, salts with metals such as sodium, potassium, calcium and aluminium, salts with amines, such as triethylamine and salts with dibasic amino acids, such as lysine. The compounds and salts of the combination of the present invention encompass hydrate and solvate forms.

Acyl as indicated above may be a residue R_(y)—CO— wherein R_(y) is C₁₋₆alkyl, C₃₋₆cycloalkyl, phenyl or phenyl-C₁₋₄alkyl. Unless otherwise stated, alkyl, alkoxy, alkenyl or alkynyl may be straight or branched.

Aryl may be phenyl or naphthyl, preferably phenyl.

When in the compounds of formula I the carbon chain as R₁ is substituted, it is preferably substituted by halogen, nitro, amino, hydroxy or carboxy. When the carbon chain is interrupted by an optionally substituted phenylene, the carbon chain is preferably unsubstituted. When the phenylene moiety is substituted, it is preferably substituted by halogen, nitro, amino, methoxy, hydroxy or carboxy.

Preferred compounds of formula I are those wherein R₁ is C₁₃₋₂₀alkyl, optionally substituted by nitro, halogen, amino, hydroxy or carboxy, and, more preferably those wherein R₁ is phenylalkyl substituted by C₆₋₁₄-alkyl chain optionally substituted by halogen and the alkyl moiety is a C₁₋₆alkyl optionally substituted by hydroxy. More preferably, R₁ is phenyl-C₁₋₆alkyl substituted on the phenyl by a straight or branched, preferably straight, C₆₋₁₄alkyl chain. The C₆₋₁₄alkyl chain may be in ortho, meta or para, preferably in para.

Preferably each of R₂ to R₅ is H.

In the above formula of VII “heterocyclic group” represents a 5- to 7 membered heterocyclic group having 1 to 3 heteroatoms selected from S, O and N. Examples of such heterocyclic groups include the heteroaryl groups indicated above, and heterocyclic compounds corresponding to partially or completely hydrogenated heteroaryl groups, e.g. furyl, thienyl, pyrrolyl, azepinyl, pyrazolyl, imidazolyl, oxazolyl, isoxazolyl, thiazolyl, isothiazolyl, 1,2,3-oxadiazolyl, triazolyl, tetrazolyl, thiadiazolyl, pyranyl, pyridyl, pyridazinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyrazinyl, tetrahydropyranyl, morpholinyl, thiomorpholinyl, pyrrolidinyl, pyrrolyl, imidazolidinyl, pyrazolidinyl, piperidinyl, piperazinyl, oxazolidinyl, isoxazolidinyl, thiazolidinyl or pyrazolidinyl. Preferred heterocyclic groups are 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl groups and the most preferred heterocyclic group is a morpholinyl, thiomorpholinyl or piperidinyl group.

A preferred compound of formula I is 2-amino-2-tetradecyl-1,3-propanediol. A particularly preferred S1P receptor agonist of formula III is FTY720, i.e. 2-amino-2-[2-(4-octylphenyl)ethyl]propane-1,3-diol in free form or in a pharmaceutically acceptable salt form (referred to hereinafter as Compound A), e.g. the hydrochloride, as shown:

A preferred compound of formula II is the one wherein each of R′₂ to R′₅ is H and m is 4, i.e. 2-amino-2-{2-[4-(1-oxo-5-phenylpentyl)phenyl]ethyl}propane-1,3-diol, in free form or in pharmaceutically acceptable salt form (referred to hereinafter as Compound B), e.g the hydrochloride.

A preferred compound of formula III is the one wherein W is CH₃, each of R″₁ to R″₃ is H, Z₂ is ethylene, X is heptyloxy and Y is H, i.e. 2-amino-4-(4-heptyloxyphenyl)-2-methyl-butanol, in free form or in pharmaceutically acceptable salt form (referred to hereinafter as Compound C), e.g. the hydrochloride. The R-enantiomer is particularly preferred.

A preferred compound of formula IVa is the FTY720-phosphate (R_(2a) is H, R_(3a) is OH, X_(a) is O, R_(1a) and R_(1b) are OH). A preferred compound of formula IVb is the Compound C-phosphate (R_(2a) is H, R_(3b) is OH, X_(a) is O, R_(1a) and R_(1b) are OH, Y_(a) is O and R_(4a) is heptyl). A preferred compound of formula V is Compound B-phosphate.

A preferred compound of formula VII is (2R)-2-amino-4-[3-(4-cyclohexyloxybutyl)-benzo[b]thien-6-yl]-2-methylbutan-1-ol.

A preferred compound of formula Xa is e.g. 1-{4-[1-(4-cyclohexyl-3-trifluoromethyl-benzyloxyimino)-ethyl]-2-ethyl-benzyl}-azetidine-3-carboxylic acid, or a prodrug thereof.

It will be appreciated that the compounds as described herein may be the direct active substances, or may be prodrugs. For example, the compounds may be phosphorylated forms.

Oral Formulations

The dosage form of a composition of the present invention, e.g. the final dosage form, may be a solid dosage form, e.g. a tablet. In another embodiment of the present invention the dosage form is granular, e.g. powder form and may comprise part of a suspension or gel. Another dosage forms may comprise of small multiparticulate pellets/beads. Other dosage forms may comprise a solid or granular composition which is soluble in a liquid to produce a liquid formulation prior to administration. Examples of such formulations are soluble tablets, capsules and sachets. The final liquid formulation may be consumed as a drink.

The oral route is often the most convenient route for drug administration. This may be in the form of a standard tablet, a conventional orally disintegrating tablet, a lyophilized tablet, or a thin film.

It has been found that compounds comprising a group of formula Y, e.g. amino-propane-1,3-diols, e.g. those that have S1P agonist activity, are not easy to formulate. In particular, these are not easy to formulate in a solid oral formulation.

As such, the present inventors have surprisingly found that only a limited number of excipients are potentially feasible with such amino diols.

The Maillard Reaction

The Maillard reaction is a chemical reaction between an amino acid and a reducing sugar [Sugars that contain aldehyde groups that are oxidised to carboxylic acids are classified as reducing sugars.

Reducing sugars include glucose, glyceraldehyde, lactose, arabinose and maltose], usually requiring the addition of heat. Like caramelization, it is a form of non-enzymatic browning. The reactive carbonyl group of the sugar interacts with the nucleophilic amino group of the amino acid, and interesting but poorly characterized odor and flavor molecules result. This process accelerates in an alkaline environment because the amino groups do not neutralize. This reaction is the basis of the flavouring industry, since the type of amino acid determines the resulting flavour.

The potentially feasible excipients are classified into e.g. fillers, binders, disintegrants, lubricants, flow regulators, plastisizers, and matrix formers. Some excipients can be listed in more than one class.

Typical ranges found in a final formulation comprising a compound as described herein are as follows:

Fillers: 10-97%

Binders: 1-15%

Disintegrants: 1-15%

Lubricants: 0.5-2%

Flow regulators: 0.5-3%

Matrix formers: 3-50%

Plastisizers: 5-30%

Flavoring agents: 1-20%

Sweeteners: 1-20%

The present invention therefore relates to stable blends comprising a compound having a group of formula Y and at least one other excipient.

The compound having a group of formula Y may, in one embodiment, be mixed together with one or more of the following excipients:

(a) Fillers selected from Lactose monohydrate, Lactose anhydrous, Maize starch, Mannitol, Xylitol, sorbitol, sucrose, Microcrystalline cellulose, e.g. Avicel PH101, Dibasic calcium phosphate, Maltodextrin, gelatin, e.g. DE 12

and/or

(b) Binders selected from HPMC, e.g. 3cPs, L-HPC, e.g. HP-Cellulose LH-22, Povidone,

and/or

(c) Disintegrants selected from Maize starch. Crospovidone. Croscarmellose sodium, Sodium carboxymethylstarch e.g. Primojel, pregelatinized starch. e.g. Starch 1500 (Sta RX), calcium silicate

and/or

(d) Lubricants selected from Hydrogenated e.g. ricinoleic, castor oil, e.g. Cutina, magnesium stearate, calcium stearate, zinc stearate, mineral oil, silicone fluid, sodium lauryl sulfate. L-leucine, sodium stearyl fumarate,

and/or

(e) Flow regulators selected from Aerosil 200Colloidal silicone dioxide, e.g. Aerosil 200, Talc

and/or

(f) Matrix formers selected from Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, Hydroxypropyl cellulose, Methyl cellulose, Ethyl cellulose, Pullulan, Starch, e.g. Pure Cote, Povidone

and/or

(g) Plastisizers selected from PEG 400, Dibutyl sebacate, Sorbitol

and/or

(h) Flavoring agents selected from Menthol, tutti fruti

and/or

(i) Sweeteners selected from Sucralose. Sodium saccharine.

Fillers are preferably selected from Fillers selected from Lactose monohydrate, Lactose anhydrous, Maize starch, Xylitol, sorbitol, sucrose, Microcrystalline cellulose. e.g. Avicel PH101, Dibasic calcium phosphate. Maltodextrin and gelatin.

According to one embodiment of the invention preferred fubricants are selected from magnesium stearate and calcium stearate.

In a second embodiment, the present invention relates to a binary blend comprising a compound having a group of formula Y and one excipient selected from:

Sorbitol, Xylitol, dicalcium phosphate, Lactose, microcrystalline cellulose, HPMC, HPC, Crospovidone, croscarmellose sodium, starch, preferably an hydrous, calcium silicate, colloidal silicone dioxide, talc, magnesium stearate, calcium stearate.

Preferably, no moisture is present.

In particular, the excipients are selected from:

Dicalcium phosphate, HPC, crospovidone, calcium silicate, magnesium stearate.

In particular, the formulation or blend of the present invention does not comprise a reducing sugar, e.g glucose, glyceraldehyde, lactose, arabinose and maltose.

In a further preference, the formulation or blend of the present invention does not comprise PEG, stearic acid,

Where necessary, stabilizers may be added to increase or decrease the pH. By modifying the pH, the composition may be adapted to optimize the reduction of likelihood of a malliard reaction, or other side reactions taking place. An example of a stabilizer is citric acid.

In a preferred embodiment of the compositions o fthe present invention are binary blends, i.e. a mixture of a compound comprising a group of formula Y and one excipient as listed herein.

A particular advantage of the stable binary blends as disclosed herein is that they may be transported and stored prior to final formulation, without forming degredation products. The blends of the present invention, e.g. binary blends, therefore provide a commercially viable option for storing the S1P modulator as described herein in stable conditions.

Prior to the surprising findings of the present invention, the instability of the compounds comprising a group Y would not have been able to be safely stored, without the possibility of impurities being formed. With the present invention, the skilled person is now shown which excipients may be used with the S1P modulators for storage and, most importantly, which ecipients may be used to reduce the risk of impurities contaminating a final drug product, such impurities being formed by a malliard reaction.

Levels of Impurities Tolerated:

Compositions of the present invention, e.g. binary blends and/or final dosage forms, are preferably free from impurities. It will be understood that the level of impurities tolerated will be judged using pharmaceutically acceptable standards.

However, it is also understood the pharmaceutical standards may only apply to a final dosage form, i.e. the final product. The present invention, in a preferred embodiment provides binary blends containing an S1P receptor modulator as definated herein, i.e. a compound comprising a group of formula Y, which are low, e.g. free, of impurities.

Preferably the binary blends of the present invention meet the following criteria for level of impurities:

-   -   No more than 4.5 wt % of impurities and/or but no more than 2 wt         % for an individual impurity.     -   Preferably, impurities are at 2 wt % or lower with no individual         impurity being more than 0.5 wt %

The “wt %” measurements above are indicators of amount of impurities tolerated. The term “wt %” means the percentage in relation to the amount of the whole formulation, for example 4 wt % means 4 mg in a 100 mg tablet.

Example of Impurity Tolerances, Using the Compound FTY720 as a Reference

There are three qualified degradation products observed in a dosage form: acetyl amide, palmitate amide and stearate amide.

The mechanism for the formation of these degradation products is postulated to be due to a nucleophilic attack of the primary amine of the FTY720 molecule at the carbonyl carbon of the acetic, palmitic or stearic acid.

Based on tox qualification study, the three primary degradation products, acetyl amide, palmitate amide and stearate amide were qualified at levels of 4.6%, 4.5% and 4.8%, respectively.

In order to adequately control the quality and efficacy of the final dosage product each qualified degradation product was assigned a specification of equal to or less than 2.0% of label strength.

The specified degradation products were assigned a specification of equal to or less than 1.0% of label strength.

The unspecified degradation products were assigned a specification of equal to or less than 0.5% of label strength as per the Novartis drug product purity policy.

The sum of all the degradation products above the limit of quantitation (0.1% label strength) was set at equal or less than a total of 4.5%.

FTY720: An Example of a Compound Comprising a Group of Formula Y:

A chemical stability program using binary mixtures of FTY720 and excipients (1% drug substance was stored for 1 month in closed vials at 50° C.) was performed using FTY720 drug substance.

General Method to Prepare Binary Mixtures:

1. 10 mg drug substance and 1000 mg excipient were filled into a glass vial (=binary mixture).

2. The closed vials were stored for 1 month at 50° C.

The analytical characterization was performed using gradient HPLC with UV detection. For the analysis, the stored samples were dissolved in 40 ml of 0.0005N hydrochloric acid in isopropanol and stirred with a magnetic stirrer for 30 minutes. This solution was centrifuged and an aliquot of the clear supernatant was used as the test solution.

The limit of quantitation (loq) of the method was 0.1%. The rel. standard deviation s_(rel) of the assay determinations was ≦2%.

Apparatus HPLC system with gradient capability, autosampler and UV detector Column Waters Xterra ™ MS C₈ Length 50 mm, internal diameter 4.6 mm, particle size 2.5 μm, Part number 186000603.

Chromatographic conditions Mobile phase A 100 mM NaClO₄ buffer, pH 2.8:methanol = 93:7 (v/v) Mobile phase B Acetonitrile

Gradient program (linear) Time [min.] Phase A [%] Phase B [%] 0 70 30 1.0 70 30 15.0 58 42 28.0 5 95 30.0 5 95 30.1 70 30 35.0 70 30

Flow rate 1.5 ml/min Detection UV detection at 215 nm Column temperature 30° C. Auto-sampler Temperature Ambient Injection volume 10 μl Run time 35 min

The tables below provide a list of potentially feasible excipients including the results of the stability program.

EXAMPLE 1 FTY720 Stability Test with Selected Fillers

Excipient Assay in % Σ impurities in % Lactose anhydrous 101.4 0.0 Maize starch 102.2 0.0 Mannitol 102.3 0.0 Mannitol granulated (SD 200) 99.5 0.3 Avicel 97.9 0.2 Citric acid + Mannitol (10 + 90) 102.4 0.0 Sodium hydrogen carbonate + 102.7 0.0 Mannitol (10 + 90)

EXAMPLE 2 FTY720 Stability Test with Selected Binders

Excipient Assay in % Σ impurities in % HPMC 3 cPs 97.8 0.0 HP-Cellulose LH-22 99.8 0.4

EXAMPLE 3 FTY720 Stability Test with Selected Disintearants

Excipient Assay in % Σ impurities in % Maize starch 102.2 0.0 Crosscarmellose sodium 102.4 0.0 Sodium carboxymethylstarch 103.2 0.0 (Primojel) Starch 1500 (Sta RX) 101.3 0.0

EXAMPLE 4 FTY720 Stability Test with Selected Lubricants

Excipient Assay in % Σ impurities in % Hydrogenated ricinoleic oil (Cutina) 103.6 0.0 Mg stearate + Manitol (1 + 99) 103.5 0.5

EXAMPLE 5 FTY720 Stability Test with Selected Flow Regulators

Excipient Assay in % Σ impurities in % Aerosil 200 101.5 0.6

EXAMPLE 6 FTY720 Stability Test with Selected Matrix Formers

Excipient Assay in % Σ impurities in % Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose 97.8 0.0 Hydroxypropyl cellulose 99.8 0.4 Methyl cellulose — — Ethyl cellulose — — Pullulan — — Starch, e.g. Pure Cote 102.2 0.0 Povidone 95.4 0.5

Polymers having different molecular weights may be used in the same formulation, e.g. having a low and a high molecular weight, i.e. one can use a mixture of e.g. cellulose type polymers having a low and a high MW to provide for different properties.

EXAMPLE 7 FTY720 Stability Test with Selected Plastisizers

Excipient Assay in % Σ impurities in % PEG 400 — — Dibutyl sebacate — — Sorbitol — —

EXAMPLE 8 FTY720 Stability Test with Selected Flavoring Agents

Excipient Assay in % Σ impurities in % Menthol — — Tutti frutti

EXAMPLE 9 FTY720 Stability Test with Selected Sweeteners

Excipient Assay in % Σ impurities in % Sucralose — — Sodium saccharine — —

EXAMPLE 10 Non-Feasible Excipients

An example of a non-feasible excipient is shown below. The method to prepare the binary mixtures and the analytical characterization are the same as describe before.

Excipient Assay in % Σ impurities in % Glycerylbehenat (Compritol) 96.2 >2

EXAMPLE 10 S1P Assays

The binding affinity of S1P receptor modulators to individual human S1P receptors may be determined in following assay:

S1P receptor modulator activities of compounds are tested on the human S1P receptors S1P₁, S1P₂, S1P₃, S1P₄ and S1P₅. Functional receptor activation is assessed by quantifying compound induced GTP [γ-³⁵S] binding to membrane protein prepared from transfected CHO or RH7777 cells stably expressing the appropriate human S1P receptor. The assay technology used is SPA (scintillation proximity based assay). Briefly, DMSO dissolved compounds are serially diluted and added to SPA-bead (Amersham-Pharmacia) immobilised S1P receptor expressing membrane protein (10-20 μg/well) in the presence of 50 mM Hepes, 100 mM NaCl, 10 mM MgCl₂, 10 μM GDP, 0.1% fat free BSA and 0.2 nM GTP [γ-³⁵S](1200 Ci/mmol). After incubation in 96 well microtiterplates at RT for 120 min, unbound GTP [γ-³⁵S] is separated by a centrifugation step. Luminescence of SPA beads triggered by membrane bound GTP [γ-³⁵S] is quantified with a TOPcount plate reader (Packard). EC₅₀s are calculated using standard curve fitting software. In this assay, the S1P receptor modulators preferably have a binding affinity to S1P receptor <50 nM.

Preferred S1P receptor modulators are e.g. compounds which in addition to their S1P binding properties also have accelerating lymphocyte homing properties, e.g. compounds which elicit a lymphopenia resulting from a re-distribution, preferably reversible, of lymphocytes from circulation to secondary lymphatic tissue, without evoking a generalized immunosuppression. Naïve cells are sequestered; CD4 and CD8 T-cells and B-cells from the blood are stimulated to migrate into lymph nodes (LN) and Peyer's patches (PP).

The lymphocyte homing property may be measured in following Blood Lymphocyte Depletion assay:

A S1P receptor modulator or the vehicle is administered orally by gavage to rats. Tail blood for hematological monitoring is obtained on day −1 to give the baseline individual values, and at 2, 6, 24, 48 and 72 hours after application. In this assay, the S1P receptor agonist or modulator depletes peripheral blood lymphocytes, e.g. by 50%, when administered at a dose of e.g. <20 mg/kg.

Final Product Manufacture:

The manufacture of final pharmaceutical products may be carried out using conventional techniques. Examples of such techniques are described below, by way of example.

Compressed Tablets

Compressed tablets are exerted to great pressure in order to compact the material. If a sufficiently homogeneous mix of components cannot be obtained with simple mixing, the ingredients must be granulated prior to compression to ensure an even distribution of the active compound in the final tablet. Two basic techniques are used to prepare powders for granulation into a tablet: wet granulation and dry granulation.

Powders that can be mixed well and therefore do not require granulation can be compressed in to a tablet through a technique called Direct Compression.

Lyophilized Tablets

These tablets may be manufactured by way of creating a suspension containing the active ingredient and other excipients, for example Gelatin in an amount, for example, of about 3 wt %, structure forming agents, such as mannitol or sorbitol, for example and in an amount, for example, of about 1.5 wt %, sweeteners and flavouring agents.

An example of a lyophilised tablet formulation is provided below:

The Gelatin/Mannitol solution is cooled to 23° C. and mixed with the active substance. The total solid content is preferably less than 50%. The suspension is then cooled to 15° C. to prevent sedimentation of the suspension before the start of lyophilisation.

Thin Films

The compositions of the present invention may be further mixed with additional excipients to form final products. The final products may be made from the binary compositions using standard techniques, such as the ones below:

Possible manufacturing comprises casting, drawing, extrusion or coating/lamination processes:

Casting is a manufacturing process by which the drug/excipient mixture is introduced into a mold, allowed to solidify within the mold, and then ejected or broken out to make the individual thin film.

Drawing produces a roll by pulling on a molten drug/excipient mixture until it increases in length. This is typically accompanied by a thinning out of the material. The single units are then cut or punched out of these roles and packed, e.g. into pouches.

Extrusion creates rolls by pushing and/or drawing through a die of the desired profile shape. Extrusion may be continuous (producing indefinitely long material) or semi-continuous (producing many short pieces). The single units are then cut or punched out of these roles and packed, e.g. into pouches.

Coating/lamination could be described as manufacturing a laminate first by coating and lamination. The resulting roll is then splitted into smaller rolls. The single units are then cut or punched out of these roles and packed, e.g. into pouches.

According to the invention, the compositions of the present invention, e.g. the final dosage form, are useful for:

a) treatment and prevention of organ or tissue transplant rejection, for example for the treatment of the recipients of heart, lung, combined heart-lung, liver, kidney, pancreatic, skin or corneal transplants, and the prevention of graft-versus-host disease, such as sometimes occurs following bone marrow transplantation; particularly in the treatment of acute or chronic allo- and xenograft rejection or in the transplantation of insulin producing cells, e.g. pancreatic islet cells; b) treatment and prevention of autoimmune disease or of inflammatory conditions, e.g. multiple sclerosis, arthritis (for example rheumatoid arthritis), inflammatory bowel disease, hepatitis, etc.; c) treatment and prevention of viral myocarditis and viral diseases caused by viral mycocarditis, including hepatitis and AIDS. d) treatment and prevention of cancer, e.g. solid tumors, carcinoma, e.g. for preventing metastatic spread of tumours or for preventing or inhibiting growth of micrometastasis

By “solid tumors” are meant tumors and/or metastasis (whereever located) other than lymphatic cancer, e.g. brain and other central nervous system tumors (eg. tumors of the meninges, brain, spinal cord, cranial nerves and other parts of central nervous system, e.g. glioblastomas or medulla blastomas); head and/or neck cancer; breast tumors; circulatory system tumors (e.g. heart, mediastinum and pleura, and other intrathoracic organs, vascular tumors and tumor-associated vascular tissue); excretory system tumors (e.g. kidney, renal pelvis, ureter, bladder, other and unspecified urinary organs); gastrointestinal tract tumors (e.g. oesophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon, colorectal, rectosigmoid junction, rectum, anus and anal canal), tumors involving the liver and intrahepatic bile ducts, gall bladder, other and unspecified parts of biliary tract, pancreas, other and digestive organs); oral cavity (lip, tongue, gum, floor of mouth, palate, and other parts of mouth, parotid gland, and other parts of the salivary glands, tonsil, oropharynx, nasopharynx, pyriform sinus, hypopharynx, and other sites in the lip, oral cavity and pharynx); reproductive system tumors (e.g. vulva, vagina, Cervix uteri, Corpus uteri, uterus, ovary, and other sites associated with female genital organs, placenta, penis, prostate, testis, and other sites associated with male genital organs); respiratory tract tumors (e.g. nasal cavity and middle ear, accessory sinuses, larynx, trachea, bronchus and lung, e.g. small cell lung cancer or non-small cell lung cancer); skeletal system tumors (e.g. bone and articular cartilage of limbs, bone articular cartilage and other sites); skin tumors (e.g. malignant melanoma of the skin, non-melanoma skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma of skin, squamous cell carcinoma of skin, mesothelioma, Kaposi's sarcoma); and tumors involving other tissues including peripheral nerves and autonomic nervous system, connective and soft tissue, retroperitoneum and peritoneum, eye and adnexa, thyroid, adrenal gland and other endocrine glands and related structures, secondary and unspecified malignant neoplasm of lymph nodes, secondary malignant neoplasm of respiratory and digestive systems and secondary malignant neoplasm of other sites.

Where hereinbefore and subsequently a tumor, a tumor disease, a carcinoma or a cancer is mentioned, also metastasis in the original organ or tissue and/or in any other location are implied alternatively or in addition, whatever the location of the tumor and/or metastasis is.

Accordingly, in further aspects the present invention provides:

1. A composition as defined above, for use in treating or preventing a disease or condition as defined above.

2. A method of treating a subject in need of immunomodulation, comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of a composition as defined above.

3. A method of treating or preventing a disease or condition as defined above, comprising administering to the subject a composition as defined above.

4. Use of a pharmaceutical composition as defined above for the preparation of a medicament for the prevention or treatment of a disease or condition as defined above. 

The claims defining the invention are as follows:
 1. A process for making a pharmaceutical composition in a final dosage form, comprising the steps of: a) preparing a blend consisting of: (i) 2-amino-2-[2-(4-octylphenyl)ethyl]propane-1,3-diol in free form or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; and (ii) one excipient selected from the group consisting of Sorbitol, dicalcium phosphate, Lactose, Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), Hydroxypropylcellulose (HPC), Crospovidone, croscarmellose sodium, starch, calcium silicate, colloidal silicone dioxide, talc, and calcium stearate; and b) mixing the blend of step a) with additional excipients to prepare the final form wherein the final form is an oral formulation in form of a tablet, a granular, multiparticulate pellets, a soluble tablet or a capsule.
 2. The process according to claim 1, wherein the final form is a tablet or a capsule.
 3. The process according to claim 1, wherein the compound is 2-amino-2-[2-(4-octylphenyl)ethyl]propane-1,3-diol hydrochloride.
 4. The process according to claim 2, wherein the compound is 2-amino-2-[2-(4-octylphenyl)ethyl]propane-1,3-diol hydrochloride. 